New Zealand announce 15-member squad for WTC final
New Zealand announced their 15-member Test squad for the inaugural World Test Championship final. 32-year-old left arm spinner Ajaz Patel has been named in the squad as the lead spinner while Mitchell Santner missed the cut.
Devon Conway sealed his spot at top after an impressive show in his debut Test series against England. Conway, on his debut at Lord’s, scored 200 to prove his mettle in the Test arena. He then followed it up with an impressive 80 in the first innings in the second Test at Edgbaston as New Zealand sealed the series 1-0.
Will Young and Tom Blundell also made the squad after decent performances in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston. Colin de Grandhomme has been named in the squad as all-rounder Daryl Mitchell didn’t make the cut.
The pace battery is enriched by the presence of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry.
The batting order is likely to be filled in by Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls along with BJ Watling. Watling will be playing his last Test match in his career and what an occasion to choose for it!
Kane Williamson was forced to miss the second Test because of a nagging elbow injury while BJ Watling, who will retire post the clash, failed to recover in time. Coach Gary Stead was confident that both players will recover in time for the Test in Southampton, while the coach also backed Colin de Grandhomme to do well in the game.
Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner are the players to be left out after the 2 match Test series against England.
New Zealand Squad for WTC Final:
Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.
The inaugural World Test Championship final will take place from June 18 to 22 with June 23 as a reserve day at Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.
My dream team will feature Marcus Trescothick and Anil Kumble
